The regulation of Dkk1 expression during embryonic development

During embryogenesis, the Dkk1 mediated Wnt inhibition controls the spatiotemporal dynamics of cell fate determination, cell differentiation and cell death. Furthermore, the Dkk1 dose is critical for the normal Wnt homeostasis, as alteration of the Dkk1 activity is associated with various diseases. We investigated the regulation of Dkk1 expression during embryonic development. We identified nine conserved non-coding elements (CNEs), located 3′ to the Dkk1 locus. Analyses of the regulatory potential revealed that four of these CNEs in combination drive reporter expression very similar to Dkk1 expression in several organs of transgenic embryos. We extended the knowledge of Dkk1 expression during hypophysis, external genitalia and kidney development, suggesting so far to unexplored functions of Dkk1 during the development of these organs. Characterization of the regulatory potential of four individual CNEs revealed that each of these promotes Dkk1 expression in brain and kidney. In combination, two enhancers are responsible for expression in the pituitary and the genital tubercle. Furthermore, individual CNEs mediates craniofacial, optic cup and limb specific Dkk1 regulation. Our study substantially improves the knowledge of Dkk1 regulation during embryonic development and thus might be of high relevance for therapeutic approaches.